BARBADOS   -   India triumphed over South Africa by 7 runs in a nail-biting conclusion to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at a packed Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday.

This victory marked a significant achievement for the Indian team, showcasing their resilience and strategic brilliance, lifting the World Cup trophy after 17 years. The match remained tightly contested, with South Africa needing 25 runs off the final two overs. However, India’s bowlers held their nerve, particularly Pandya, whose final overs proved decisive, securing the title victory for India.

Chasing the target of 177 runs, South Africa fell just short, finishing at 169-8 in their 20 overs. Despite a solid start from Quinton de Kock, who made 39 off 31 balls, and a powerful 52 from Heinrich Klaasen, the Proteas struggled to maintain the required run rate against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya were instrumental in breaking key partnerships, taking two and three wickets respectively. Jasprit Bumrah also delivered a stellar performance, claiming two crucial wickets, including that of Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen, adding to the pressure on South Africa.

Earlier, India posted a challenging total of 176-7 in their 20 overs against South Africa. Batting first, India faced early challenges with captain Rohit Sharma dismissed for 9, and Rishabh Pant falling for a duck, both to Keshav Maharaj. Suryakumar Yadav managed only 3 runs, leaving India in a precarious position at 34-3.

Virat Kohli then took charge, forming a crucial partnership with Axar Patel, who contributed a valuable 47 off 31 balls, featuring a four and a six. This partnership stabilized the innings, pushing the score past 100.

Shivam Dube provided a late boost, scoring 27 off 16 deliveries with three boundaries and a six. However, wickets continued to fall, with Ravindra Jadeja and others unable to capitalize fully in the final overs. Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten with a modest 5 runs.

South Africa’s bowling was led by Keshav Maharaj, who took 2 wickets for just 23 runs, including the key dismissal of Rohit Sharma. Anrich Nortje also impressed, claiming 2 wickets for 26 runs, while Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with a wicket each.

Scores in Brief

INDIA 176-7 (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47, Shivam Dube 27; Anrich Nortje    2-26, Keshav Maharaj 2-23) beat SOUTH AFRICA 169-8 (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock    39, Tristan Stubbs 31; Hardik Pandya 3-20, Arshdeep Singh2-20, Jasprit Bumrah2-18) by 7 runs.